Last Updated: Tuesday October 07 2008 10:56 GMT

What do you think about caning?

One in five teachers think they should be allowed to use a stick called a cane to hit you as a punishment.

They think that some kids are now behaving so badly in school that the only way to keep them under control is by bringing back the cane.

It's against the law now - and won't be brought back. But in the past, teachers were allowed to use physical punishment on badly behaved kids.

So what do you think about caning? Would it help make some children behave, or is it a terrible idea?

Unfortunately this topic is now closed, but there are Comments pages on other subjects on the main Chat page.

Your Comments

"I think that all the teachers shouldn't bring back the cane because it isn't the way to make the children behave well. Sometimes it makes the children behave worse."

Jessica, 13, London, England

"I don't understand. They moan about violence and knife crime, yet they went to bring back the cane? It doesn't make sense."

Caitlin, 11, London, England

"I think that only the really naughty children should have the cane because most of the time they don't listen to their warnings or the staying at lunch and break or even detentions!! Sometimes they just need a quick warning!"

Charlotte, 13, Shropshire, England

"To be honest I'm 50/50 on caning because it would be good to bring it back because it will teach discipline to the people who are naughty but it would also be bad because say you did something by mistake - all you would get is a huge red mark!!!!"

Rebecca, 11, Manchester, England

"I think caning should be brought back and if a child is caned they should be by the headmaster in front of all the school so pupils know for next time."

Oli, 12, London, England

"Parents are allowed to hit children - why shouldn't teachers use the cane if it is affecting others' education?"

Giles, 13, Lincoln, England

"I think they should bring it back because all kids will have way more respect for teachers and kids will work much harder and do better in exams."

Tom, 10, London, England

"I don't think that they should bring back the cane because physical violence is NOT the answer. Some teachers might agree, but they are not the ones who are getting the pain."

Bethan, 12, Newport, Wales

"I don't think it is sensible to bring back the cane because it might make other younger kids think it is OK! And a teacher could get carried away and hurt them! Someone could also steal it and misuse it and then it would become a very big problem!!!"

Becky, 13, Scotland

"I think caning should come back because if they get caned they probably will not do it again, but it is a cruel punishment."

Jake, 10, Wales

"I think it all depends on the limit of their behaviour. If they get sent to the headmaster once, then they get told to go again, then I think they have to get the cane and then they will get expelled. So I think we should get the cane back!"

Megan, 11, Scotland

"I think if you hit and humiliate a child all it will teach the child is to hit and humiliate."

Amy, 13, Manchester, England

"The cane was, and always shall be, a cruel punishment and should not be brought back no matter what."

Owen, 12, Northumberland, England

"Some people in our new class are so naughty whenever a teacher tells them off they do it again. It's so annoying."

Georgia, 9, Harrogate, England

"I personally think the cane should come back to school because I think that when children get told off again and again they need more punishment. That's why I think the cane should come back to schools."

Ellie, 10, Halstead, England

"I think caning should not be allowed in schools because it is a cruel punishment. Teachers should not be allowed to hit children."

Thomas, 10, Midland, America

"If we have caning not many people will come to school and we go to school to have fun."

Essie, 8, Newport, Wales

"I wish caning would be brought back because my school is out of control. But then again, adults would cane after telling a kid not to hit... I don't get this world."

Carmen, 13, Nottingham, England

The cane is OUTRAGEOUS!! The teachers who want it back forget that kids are human beings too!!!

Becky, 13, London, England

"I can see the teachers' point of view, but I think it is unnecessary."

Isabelle, 11, New Malden, England

"I think it is wrong to use a cane, but maybe teachers could pretend to have a cane but not really have one. Then it might make naughty kids behave, but they should NOT bring the cane back."

Kate, 10, Manchester, England

"I think that the cane is unfair and that children should be disciplined differently, or the parents should give them the punishment."

Abby, 11, England

"It is a very cruel idea. Children should not of been treated that way."

Megan, 11, Monaghan, Ireland

"I think that the cane should not be used in schools because it's abusive to children. Schools should continue to use verbal discipline in the school."

Fathima, 11, Kent, England

"I think it's awful and was right to be abolished in schools as it sounds like it really hurts."

Daisy, 12, London, England

"There are people in my school that do deserve to be caned! I think that we would learn more because children would be more reluctant to misbehave knowing that they could be caned. But I also disagree with it because it won't be very nice for parents to hear about their children being caned!"

Lauren, 14, Dorset, England

"I don't think caning is a good idea because it will make more children skip school."

Tammy, 7, Llanelli, Wales

"Yes, I think you should bring caning back for it will be handy with children who do not understand any other form of punishment."

Aaron, 10, Hull, England

"It's down to the parents to discipline their children."

Saphia, 11, London, England

"I think that caning should definitely be brought back. There would be much less bullying and calling names, etc. The whole child abuse issue is a completely different case. That's when innocent children are hit for no reason. However, when a child, especially a teenager is naughty or rude, they should be hit in front of the whole class, as a warning to the others."

Gabriela, 12, Coventry, England

"This is brutal and worrying. Why are people actually considering the possibility of pain being inflicted upon children? I'm VERY glad that this isn't going to return."

Claire, 14, Devon, England

"We shouldn't be so annoying and then the teachers wouldn't want to hit us!"

Sarah, 12, Wolverhampton, England

"I think that the cane is totally out of order and should never have been invented and definitely should not come back. The teachers should know how to control the children. If not, they aren't very good teachers."

Mark, 11, Norfolk, England

"I think that it's wrong and would scare little children to not come to school."

Alice, 12, Norfolk, England

"I think that caning is a bad thing, because using violence for a punishment doesn't set an example for the future and plus it will hurt too much!"

Lydia, 12, Manchester, England

"I think that caning kids would stop a lot of bad kids getting into trouble, but it shouldn't be too strict."

Michael, 13, Reading, England

"The cane is a good idea, but only if the pupils are really bad. Also, the deputies and head teachers don't teach that many lessons and may not have encountered kids of that nature."

Bob, 10, UK

"I think it's stupid because it's violence and they are creating more violence. If we get hit with canes then we will think it's OK for us to hit others. It's child abuse."

Becky, 11, Newcastle

"I think that it's a really bad idea as it would teach children that it's OK to cane people, which it is not. Also, it's wrong to hurt people as teachers say so, even if they are being naughty."

Fionn, 10, Norfolk, England

"I don't think using the cane is a good idea because I think the schools could punish them in a more humane way, like giving them a detention or, in my school, a white slip."

Rachael, 12, West Sussex, England

"The teachers who think caning should come back should be fired for even thinking such a thing! If they are stressed then they should NOT hit children, even if the child hits them!"

James, 12, Aberdeen, Scotland

"I don't think caning should be brought back because education is supposed to be fun, not scary. Also, I think that it would increase bunking off. I think things are fine the way they are..."

Alice, 12, Cambridge, England

"I think caning is absolutely ridiculous! Firstly, because it can turn children violent and make them use things like sticks at home to hit. Secondly, it's equivalent to bullying. And lastly, if a kid got hold of it at school, they probably would be running around the school whacking all the people in their way."

Maryam, 12, Birmingham, England

"I'm not surprised that most secondary school teachers want caning back, school isn't easy for them! But caning isn't the way forward."

Milly, 12, London, England

"I think that naughty children do get off lightly and in lessons, the good children get ignored because the bad ones are disrupting the lesson."

Laura, 10, England

"I think that causing pain against a child is wrong. However, some children can be very challenging, but I think most parents would be uncomfortable with someone they don't know very well caning their child."

Catherine, 11, Cheshire, England

"I really think that they shouldn't bring back caning because it's going to damage the kid too much and the way the kid is going to react to others (even teachers) is going to be awful. Instead of caning, they should just give detentions and show the kids how bad they are, also teaching them a lesson."

MM, 11, London, England

"Some kids are real bad in class. They mess up our learning time... Maybe the threat of a caning may make them think about others."

Max, 14, London, England

"The punishments we have now like detention and writing lines don't work on some kids. They don't care, and it has no effect! I don't believe in hitting children because it encourages violence, but for some completely unruly kids it may be the only solution."

Alice, 14, Worcester, England

"Caning is stupid and pointless. You can't just say "Oh, hurting people is wrong so now we're going to hurt you." Because if that's true, that would mean you'd have to cane the teacher and so forth. It just doesn't make any sense! I wouldn't let any one touch me with a cane. I'd just walk out."

Llinos, 12, North Wales

"I personally believe that caning should be brought back. It is not at all cruel! The badly behaved students in my school get off too lightly or don't get punished at all. They disrupt learning and continue to misbehave because they know they can and they know that there is no comeback. Caning worked before and it can work again!"

Jenny, 14, England

"I think caning is an old-fashioned punishment and shouldn't be done. It's unnecessary for teachers to hit children. There should be a non-violent punishment for children."

Zara, 13, Bradford, England

"I think it is a good idea because it will bring discipline to the school."

Bob, 12, Lincoln, England

"Hmm... Bit of a dilemma. I mean, there are some really bad kids, and they're not being punished enough. I don't think that detentions and the like are doing enough, but I don't think bringing the cane back is good, either. I suppose new punishments need to be thought up."

Alex, 12, Surrey, England

"I think caning shouldn't be allowed because some kids might be afraid to come into school. If that had happened to me I would be really scared and I think the punishments we have right now are fine. There is no need for bringing back the cane."

Henna, 13, Glasgow, Scotland

"I think that the cane should be bought back because there are some really nasty bullies at school, and detentions don't stop them."

Kurt, 11, Bradford, England

"I don't think canes should be back because I think we get a bad enough punishment staying in at breaks and getting sent to the head teacher."

Megan, 9, England

"Caning shouldn't be brought back, but people that misbehave should get a tough punishment, not just a detention and telling off."

Chloe, 12, London, England

"Even though I am so against the idea of hitting children I think teachers should carry around canes. This is because there are some very NAUGHTY children in my class who threaten teachers and even chuck stuff at them - hard stuff. So I think teachers should carry around canes to scare kids but NOT HIT THEM! There is one very old and strict teacher in one of our classes and she is so SCARY. Everyone is scared of her and they don't even breathe when she's around. The naughty kids automatically turn good and the class is more quiet, but terrifying at the same turn."

Lucy, 11, Manchester, England

"The only people who won't agree with the cane are probably the people who will get it! It's a good idea!"

Eliza, 14

"Because a lot of children don't like going to school already, bringing the cane back is going to make it worse because children should be able to feel safe in school and the cane is not going to help."

Emily, 10, England

"I think that canes shouldn't be brought back into school because the children who are hit and who have to watch will be fearful of going to school and it also could make children more violent if their role model is being violent towards them."

Laura, 14, Lincolnshire, England

"I think it's bad and I believe it would encourage violence and bullying in school as excuses could be made saying 'the teachers do it to us, why not to each other?'."

Yarhara, 14, London, England

"I think canes should be allowed back in school because if kids are being really badly behaved they need something to talk some sense into them."

Rebecca, 9, England

"I do not think teachers should use a cane. I would rather get shouted at."

Kay, 8, Scotland

"I don't think teachers would use the cane a lot. They would use it as a threat to make kids good and only use it on rare occasions when things get really out of hand. At the same time, I think they are there to teach us and not hit us."

Phoebe, 12, England

"Students do get out of hand so maybe there should be caning, but if the child is caned twice the child should be excluded."

Precious, 11, Bromley, England

"Definitely not. The punishments are bad enough and some teachers might get a bit carried away."

Bee, 11, Guildford, England

"I think that if you have caning it won't make us better because some children think it's a big punishment to miss lunch. I think it will make them angrier."

Alex, 10, Suffolk, England

"I think it would be OK for the head teacher to use only if a child had been extremely bad."

Holly, 10, Blackpool, England

"Imagine if you were hit by a cane! It'd be terrible. Caning is child cruelty, and I'm glad it is banned. If teachers are trying to teach us right and wrong, how is caning meant to help?"

Tasha, 11, Chester, England

"I don't think they should hit pupils with canes, but they could still give them a punishment but I don't think hitting is right and the pupil's parents or guardians don't allow it. And you could be really hurt and loads of parents will be shouting at the teachers because it's their responsibility."

Eve, 9, England

"The cane was banned a long time ago and children go to school to learn and have fun but NOT to be scared and scared is NOT fun at all. At my school we get merits if we are good and a de-merit if we are bad."

Michael, 10, Scotland

"I think this is awful. I know plenty of adults who have suffered from being beaten with the cane as children and would hate to see it used on their own kids. My mum's friend is a teacher, and she says she doesn't know how olden days teachers could bear to hit children at all. It is a sick punishment and should not be brought back."

Emily-May, 15, UK

"I think that caning is wrong. No-one should use violence on anyone. Pupils will probably end up hitting teachers back; it's a reaction if someone tries to hurt you - you will defend yourself. It's in human nature."

Clare, 15, Birmingham, England

"Caning is OK if there is a bully in your class and no amount of detention will make him/her be good, but if the cane is bought back then teachers might abuse that power and cane children who forget their homework or something. I don't think that caning would be nice if it was used on small children."

Pandora, 12, London, England

"I think it's a disgusting idea! It was banned for a reason!"

Rob, 10, England

"I think that the cane is a really bad way to punish badly behaved children. It doesn't teach them anything and is not nice for the child or the teacher!"

Olivia, 12, Somerset, England

"I think it should be used on only the children who swear."

Jessica, 10, England

"I DON'T think caning people is a good idea because it is cruel and your teachers should be caring for you, not hurting you!"

Tash, 9, Birmingham, England

"I think that teachers should get rid of caning and use punishments such as writing out lines or detention. Hitting children is wrong."

Mudecas, 15, Crawley, England

"I really don't get all these people on here saying, "Ooh, yes, what a good idea. Uh, NO, it's not a good idea, actually. It's child abuse, and it should be kept illegal."

Rani-Corina, 11, New York, USA

"It REALLY winds me up when people in my class misbehave. Perhaps a bit more discipline will teach the scum in the class to behave and respect the teachers!"

Matthew, 12, Sunderland, England

"It is not child abuse. It is just legally classed as that. Child abuse is much worse. I think it should be brought back because there are so many people like chavs who go round stealing and injuring people and there wouldn't be any if they were disciplined."

Jordan, 12, Newcastle, England

"No way! The cane should never, ever be brought back. Our parents wouldn't want us to come home upset. Some children could get bruises. There are other ways of punishing bad kids."

Nahida, 10, London, England

"No! Whatever you do, hitting is against the law and always should be. I think that teachers should NEVER EVER smack you."

Maisie, 10, Scotland

"People, even though they misbehave, should not be caned. They could be warned but not hit."

Amy, 8, England

"No! I think hurting people is a very bad way of training them and it's unfair. Not all teachers want them back. Mine don't!"

Molly, 10, Suffolk, England

"Caning a child is evil! No one should have the right to hurt a child like that."

"Caning is a bit dodgy but there are some big kids that would probably act better if they knew there was a cane around."

Violet, 10, London, England

"I think naughty kids should be punished, but maybe not caned. Maybe a punishment like extra homework or no playtime. But nothing as extreme as the cane!"

Maddie, 10, London, England

"If you are arrested while being an adult for assault then what's the difference? Anybody who wants it should be arrested - not for doing but for wanting it. It is cruelty. They wouldn't like it if we did it to them. I for one want them arrested with a three-year sentence to prison."

Jack, 10, Essex, England

"I think you should not hit kids because we're not going to learn anything from it, just bruises on our hands. I'm so glad that it's banned in this country."

Mariam, 12, London, England

"Caning should only be used after some sort of trial, and only for serious things like being a racist or taking weapons into school."

Mark, 13, UK

"No, because it will make more children scared to go to school! And some kids could go home with marks on their bodies."

Cara, 10, Ireland

"I think it's a terrible idea to bring it back. It would make school a horrible place and some kids who have behaviour problems should be helped psychologically, not caned!"

Connor, 13, England

"I think it is very cruel to cane children because you're in school to learn and have fun, and if you get caned you might get scared and being scared is NOT fun."

Lucy, 10, Cornwall, England

"I don't see the point because children around now are worse then children who were around then. Most people would just take the cane and hit teachers with them or maybe hit them back with their fists. A lot more people will probably end up getting homeschooled because they will get fed up of being hit so much. So I think it is a bad idea and shouldn't happen."

Alanah, 14, Wakefield, England

"I think they SHOULD bring back the cane because people in my class are behaving stupidly and are getting away with it and my teachers just get stressed out with it."

Joseph, 12, Wiltshire, England

"Why should teachers have the right to physically abuse children? They're supposed to teach us that violence is not the answer."

Shannon, 11, Middlesbrough, England

"I think that caning should not come back as people would just keep on distracting lessons. There are better ways of dealing with things but I do think it would work with some students."

Sean, 14, Yorkshire, England

"I don't think they should bring the cane back. It's like child cruelty. They don't let your Mum and Dad hit you so why should teachers be allowed to!"

Imy, 13, Norfolk, England

"I think all the teachers should do is give lines or essays, and it usually works in my school!"

Michael, 13, Tyne and Wear, England

"I don't agree with caning in any way, but I do understand that teachers get annoyed with us for not behaving."

Dudefish, 14, Surrey, England

"I wish my teacher could give the cane to the naughty children in my class. Maybe then they would be good and let us get on with our work. They need to learn respect."

Theo, 10, Kent, England

"I think it is wrong to hit young children. You should punish them by taking minutes of their play or something."

Tom, 10, Cardiff, Wales

"That wouldn't be right for teachers to hit students just if they are naughty because then most people wouldn't go school."

Maria, 13, Bradford, England

"Caning was stopped for a reason and should be kept that way. Hitting a child with a cane is child cruelty but I think it should only be used in extreme cases like the pupil continually skips school or is really cheeky and misbehaves all the time."

Rachel, 12, Belfast, Northern Ireland

"I think it is sad and should not be brought back!"

Lynsay, 10, Glasgow, Scotland

"I think it's a good idea because children need to be disciplined as, they just don't learn."

Joel, 10, Nottingham, England

"I don't think it's the right thing to do! Schools try and stop bulling, so why is whipping a child any better?"

Alexandra, 11, Essex, England

"I think it's a good idea because children need to be taught discipline or they will end up having a very bad life."

Giserd, 11, England

"I think it is fair because it will sort out naughty kids and if you are well behaved you have nothing to worry about."

Eleanor, 11, Birmingham, England

"I think it's ok but it should only be if you are VERY naughty, for example if you've been physically bullying someone or threatening them and they should only do it in secondary school."

Georgia, 11, England

"I think that it is child abuse and if they brought it back then children might bunk school and not learn at all."

Lana, 12, Leicester, England

"Caning is WRONG! It is child abuse. I think that detention is not enough and I think if someone is being very bad in class then they should be sent to a strict army camp for bad children, that should teach them a lesson."

Rei, 14, England

"We shouldn't be caned, people are saying violence is never the answer, abuse is violent so we shouldn't use it. And if adults other than our parents are to going to hit us when we get older either way we'll think it's perfectly alright to hit children, and we can get scarred from it. And some of the teachers might abuse it by using it for every little thing, it can make us afraid of the teachers and stop us trusting adults. And we don't want to be hit and I doubt any parents want us to be hit."

Elizabeth, 13, Cardiff, Wales

"The idea of caning naughty children is a rubbish idea. There are different ways to punish naughty children. The teachers will use it as a weapon. I thought the government wanted children in school not out of school and not getting an education because they are scared to turn up to school. All the children are going to live in fear if the teachers are allowed to do this."

Matthew, 14, Berkshire, England

"I think that they should bring it back because then there will be a lot less interruptions in the class. And it will keep kids under control, and if they did it when our parents were at school I think they should be able to do it to us. Plus it isn't fair for the ones who did have the cane at school but we don't."

Sam, 12, England

"l think it is unfair because that is infringing on someone's rights."

Nicole, 11, Manchester, England

"Caning shouldn't be brought back in! It's cruel."

Danielle, 13, Hull, England

"I think they shouldn't cane kids. It's just like caning an adult when they did something wrong. WE HAVE RIGHTS TOO."

Lucy, 11, Liverpool, England

"I think that caning children is a terrible way to punish them. The injuries would distract them from learning, and I think it's cruel."

Chloe, 12, London, England

"I don't think it should be brought back in because I don't think it will help that much."

Natalie, 13, Renfrew, Scotland

"I think it's bad, it's just like bullying but worse. If they cane people some of the pupils might not come school."

Alisha, 11, London, England

"Caning was a good idea in the 18th century but THIS is the 20th century and it will only make things worse."

Becky, 14, Gloucester, England

"It should have never been invented in the first place!! Children, teens...etc should learn how to behave themselves anyway. My dad, grandad...etc had the cane and they hated it. So think it's a DEFINITE NO to bring the cane back."

Melanie, 15, USA

"I think it would help children behave as well."

Chloe, 11, Basingstoke, England

"I don't think you should bring back the cane because mums and dads aren't even really allowed to hit children never mind teachers. Our school give us five minutes of golden time."

Morgan, 11, Ayshire, Scotland

"I think it should be brought back some kids are so badly behaved that they need to be taught a lesson."

Harry, 12, London, England

"That should not happen because it may be a punishment but it still hurts."

Nic, 9, Suffolk, England

"We think that caning is not right because we have RIGHTS too. It's barbaric and it is physical abuse."

Hannah and Chloe, 14, Surrey, England

"I think it would be unfair and make us not concentrate because we would be scared about getting hit. I wouldn't go to school."

Jimmy, 12, Middlesbrough, England

"We think that you shouldn't punish violence with violence because two wrongs don't make a right and it's teaching people that violence is acceptable, which it is NOT."

10MVS, 14, Essex, England

"I think it is wrong to hit children, especially young ones."

Sam, 11, London, England

"I think that they shouldn't really bring it back because in my school we have people with special needs, and most of them can't really help it if they cause trouble in class. I also think that if the teachers are allowed to hit children then the children should be able to hit back!"

Tayler, 12, UK

"I think it should be introduced as it will teach kids a lesson that they won't forget and it will stop bullying."

Kieran, 13, Lincolnshire, England

"Caning is a stupid idea. I'm glad it won't be used because it is just archaic and cruel. I am shocked people have even considered using this method of punishment. Any form of pain is unacceptable."

Nat, 11, Cambridge, England

"I don't think that the cane should be used. It makes you scared of the teacher and you don't interact with them and they're not like a friend anymore, they're a monster there to hurt you. So no, canes shouldn't be allowed."

Danish, 11, Surrey, England

"Caning is the worst thing anybody could have invented. Do not let anyone bring them back. We are going to be terrified of school if canes are brought back. What if the dog ate your homework and the teachers didn't believe you even if it was true? You would be caned and there would have been no point because it wasn't your fault that the dog ate your homework. It would hurt a lot."

Sophia, 11, Cambridge, England

"We had a class vote and most people said we shouldn't have the cane back. We think that it is cruel and some teachers might abuse it. It's painful and a form of child abuse. Some think we SHOULD have the cane back because some students make it hard to get on in lessons - they should get the cane for disrupting lessons and help teach them the right way to behave."

Class 9T, age 13, Nottinghamshire

"Caning is horrid. It is child cruelty. Also it is incredibly old-fashioned. It can also cause growth and confidence problems, plus it hurts!"

Ella, 12, Lincolnshire, England

''I think caning is a bad idea! Except if a kid has been really really bad, like kicking or hurting a teacher or child.''

Laura, 9, Warwickshire, England

"It's disgusting; we're glad it doesn't exist any more!!"

Freya and Amy, 12, Kent, England

"I think caning is and was a bad idea so I don't think that teachers should ever think about bringing it back or just stop thinking about it for good!"

Harriet, 12, Staffordshire, England

"I think the cane should be brought back so that the people who start fights are punished to stop it happening again."

Josh, 13, Bristol, England

"I think that canes are wrong and should have never been used. How could those teachers want them back?!"

Aine, 10, London, England

"I think is is very mean and I wish there was NO CANING IN THE WORLD!!!"